As first reported by Finnish outlet Yle, and confirmed later by the St. Louis Blues, Kasperi Kapanen is facing charges of aggravated drunk driving last month.
“Last month I made an unacceptable error in judgement and take full responsibility for my actions,” Kapanen said in a team statement. I offer my apologies to my family, the Blues organization, my teammates, and the fans. I understand the severity of my mistake and am committed to doing everything I can to earn back their trust.”
No suspension is expected at the moment. Kapanen has a court hearing date set for February of 2024, according to Yle.
“Today we became aware of the incident involving Kasperi and I have spoken with him and his agent,” Blues GM Doug Armstrong said. “We are disappointed in his lapse of judgement and are entrusting him to make the necessary changes to avoid putting himself in a similar situation in the future.”
Drafted 22nd overall by Pittsburgh in 2014, Kapanen had 34 points in 66 games between Pittsburgh and St. Louis last year. He made his NHL debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2015-16 and had a career-best 20 goals and 44 points in 2018-19. He hasn’t been able to reach the 40-point mark again, but has four consecutive 30-plus-point campaigns to his credit.
In 387 career games, Kapanen has 78 goals and 186 points. He also represented Finland at the 2023 World Championship, putting up five points in eight games.
The son of former NHLer Sami Kapanen has one year left on his contract worth $3.2 million.
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